An option at pick 25 could very likely be Shane Bowers, a Canadian centre going the NCAA route. He played with Waterloo in the USHL last season and has committed to powerhouse Boston University for the 2017-18 campaign.

This year there are a number of intriguing UFA forwards available, with the range and depth of talent being significantly more impressive than in recent years. The timing is good for the Habs, as they could clearly use some help up front.